"I Have a Dream" Youth Seminar

From October 13-16, 2006, a dozen DC area students involved in AFSC's "Help Increase the Peace Program" (HIPP) and a dozen high-school age young Friends from across the country will spend a weekend together at William Penn House. The purpose will be to explore together issues of racism, civil rights and democracy, and to think about what comes after the dream of equality. What is the reality of equality in today’s world? What can we do to make the dream more of a reality?

Preliminary plans include a visit to the halls of Congress, an evening tour of the memorials on the National Mall, and a walk through one of DC”s most historically and culturally rich African American neighborhoods. The weekend will also include HIPP exercises designed to build community and enhance communication skills; discussions of the power of nonviolence, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the role of Martin Luther King, Jr. in getting that Act passed; a presentation on a current legislative initiative related to equality; and lobby training.

We are hoping this weekend will broaden horizons, foster friendships, shed new light on the Quaker testimony of equality, and rekindle our commitment to overcome racism.

If you think you would be interested in participating, please complete the application also found on this website. We look forward to hearing from you!